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Lesson 7: Low D
  • Learn low D4 by opening the lowest finger hole
  • Expand range to nearly two octaves
  • Practice large interval leaps
  • Play "Kum ba Yah" and "Au Clair de la Lune"

Introduction

Low D is easier than low E because you actually REMOVE a finger! It's a welcome relief after mastering that challenging 7-hole coverage. With low D, you now have a nearly 2-octave range—impressive!

Note: Low D4

Fingering for Low D: Same as low E, but lift your right pinky (finger 7)

If you can play low E, low D is just one less finger! But you still need gentle breath and complete coverage of all other holes.

Practice moving between these two low notes.

Goal: Both notes should sound clear and mellow—same tone quality!

Your Full Range: Nearly Two Octaves!

From low D up to high D—that's 2 octaves!

You've come SO far! Remember when B-A-G was all you could play?

Large Interval Practice

Practice extreme leaps—from lowest to highest!

Challenge: Make both the low and high notes sound good. This tests your complete control!

Kum ba Yah

A beautiful traditional song perfect for your expanded range.

Traditional spiritual

First line: "Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah"

Second line: "Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah"

Third line: "Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah"

Fourth line: "Oh Lord, kum ba yah"

Au Clair de la Lune

A classic French folk song that uses your full range beautifully.

French folk song

First line: "Au clair de la lune, mon ami Pierrot"

Second line: "PrĂŞte-moi ta plume pour Ă©crire un mot"

Performance tip: This song should flow gently. Think "moonlight"—soft and peaceful!

Mixed Register Exercise

A melody that travels through all registers.

Troubleshooting Low D

  • Jumping to higher octave? Too much air pressure. Blow more gently!
  • Unclear or fuzzy tone? Check that all other holes are completely covered.
  • D sounds like E? Your pinky might be partially covering the hole. Make sure it's completely lifted!

Practice Routine (20-25 minutes daily)

  1. Full range scale (Exercise 2) - 5 minutes
  2. Low D to high C leaps - 4 minutes
  3. Kum ba Yah - 6 minutes
  4. Au Clair de la Lune - 6 minutes
  5. Review favorite previous songs - 4 minutes
Musical Context: Both "Kum ba Yah" and "Au Clair de la Lune" are contemplative songs. Practice playing them with a calm, peaceful mood. Your tone and phrasing should reflect the gentle character of these melodies.
Mastery goal: Play low D clearly and consistently. Perform both "Kum ba Yah" and "Au Clair de la Lune" smoothly and expressively. Execute large interval leaps (D4 to C5 or D5) with confidence. You should feel comfortable moving through your full 2-octave range!
Next: Lesson 8 - Low C